For most Houston buildings, **TPO is the better choice — primarily because of reflectivity.**
**TPO** is a white single-ply membrane with heat-welded seams.
– **Reflects solar heat,** which meaningfully reduces cooling load in a Houston summer. This is the deciding factor for most owners here.
– **Heat-welded seams** create a continuous bond, generally stronger than adhesive.
– **Resists grease and chemical exposure** better, which matters for restaurants and light industrial.
– **Typical service life of 20 to 30 years** when properly installed.
**EPDM** is a black rubber membrane, usually seamed with adhesive or tape.
– **Excellent flexibility and cold performance,** though cold isn’t our problem.
– **Simpler repairs,** often patchable without specialized welding equipment.
– **Long proven track record** — decades of field history.
– **Absorbs heat,** which raises rooftop and interior temperature in our climate.
The practical rule for Houston: **choose TPO unless you have a specific reason not to.** The energy savings from reflectivity compound every summer, and our cooling season runs most of the year.
Either membrane fails early if the substrate slopes wrong or the seams are done poorly. Installation quality outweighs the material choice.